Coulomb forces

Definition

Coulomb forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion between two charged objects. These forces are described mathematically by Coulomb's Law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coulomb forces obey an inverse-square law, meaning the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between charges.
2. The magnitude of Coulomb force depends on the product of the magnitudes of the two charges involved.
3. Coulomb force can be attractive if charges have opposite signs and repulsive if they have the same sign.
4. The constant $k$ in Coulomb's Law is approximately $8.99 \times 10^9 \text{N} \cdot \text{m}^2 / \text{C}^2$ in a vacuum.
5. Coulomb forces act along the line connecting the centers of two charged objects.

Related terms

Electric Charge:

A property of particles that causes them to experience a force when placed in an electromagnetic field.

Electric Field:

A region around a charged particle where other charges experience a force.

Inverse-Square Law: A principle stating that a specified physical quantity is inversely proportional to the square of its distance from its source.